How long does it take to get ILR in the UK?
The increase in the period of time under UK ancestry to five years before ILR can be applied for effectively means that applicants (who are usually not married to British citizens) must wait six years for British citizenship. This is because naturalisation as a British citizen for a person not married to a British citizen requires that ILR or its equivalent be held for twelve months.
What is an Ancestry visa?
A UK Ancestry visa is a visa issued by the United Kingdom to Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland (before 1922) who wish to work in the United Kingdom. It is used mainly by young Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, Malaysians, Singaporeans and South Africans of British descent coming to the UK to work and as a base to explore Europe.
How long does a UK visa last?
The visa is granted for five years in the 'limited leave to enter' category. After this, the holder can apply for an extension (limited leave to remain) or for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). For ILR, the holder must show that he or she has been living continuously in the UK and is currently in continuing employment or has worked throughout the five years. The Home Office's guidance makes clear that if the applicant is working at the time of the ILR application, the applicant needs to show only that his or her current employment will continue. If not working at the time of the ILR application, the applicant will need to show that he or she has been continually working or looking for work throughout the five-year period.
Why did Jack McConnell campaign for abolition of Ancestry?
McConnell had recently been in Canada to encourage Canadians of Scottish heritage to move to Scotland. Canada has over four million citizens that are of Scottish descent. Part of the reason for this campaign was the concern over declining population and birth-rate in Scotland. His campaign received a great deal of interest in Canada.
What is the ability to support oneself in the UK?
ability, and intention, to undertake employment. ability to support oneself (and one's dependents) in the United Kingdom without recourse to public funds. As a result of the Immigration Act 2014, the applicant may also be required to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of the process.
When did the ancestry route stop?
In March 2006, the announcement of a new points-based system made it clear that the ancestry route to the UK was outside its scope. The abolition of this route was once again brought up by the Home Office in February 2008 in a green paper.
When was the British citizenship clearance revised?
After receiving substantial feedback during consultation, the proposal was revised in July 2008 to preserve the clearance, but to provide that people taking that route to go through a probationary citizenship stage before applying for British citizenship or permanent residence.
Requirements for a UK Ancestry Visa
A full list of commonwealth countries can be found here. This can be proved by providing your passport.
How our immigration barristers can help
Our immigration barristers are experts on the Immigration Rules. We can provide you with a professional assessment of your prospects of being granted entry clearance on the basis of UK Ancestry and, where appropriate, assist you to prepare a successful application for a UK Ancestry visa.
Applying for an ancestry visa
In order to apply for an ancestry visa, you have to be able to prove that you are eligible by giving evidence to the Home Office which shows that one of your grandparents was in fact born in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Republic of Ireland until it became the Irish Free State in 1922.
How long you can stay
If your UK ancestry visa application is accepted, you will be given an initial five-year permit to live and work in the UK. After that, if you want to carry on living and working in the UK you can apply for a residence permit. There is a separate set of requirements that you will have to meet in order to be granted this.
Requirements of a UK ancestry visa
In addition to the grandparent rule, you will have to be able to prove that you:
What you can do with an ancestry visa
Once you are granted your ancestry visa, you will be able to work and/or study in the UK, as well as bring family members with you (as long as you have declared them on your initial application).
What happens if your Ancestry visa is refused?
Unfortunately, if your Ancestry Visa application is refused, there is no automatic right of appeal, unless there is a clear error in the decision process.
How long do you have to be in the UK to get an ancestral visa?
This will allow you to live, work and study in the UK. After five years , you can either apply for a renewal or apply for settled status. The Ancestral Visa UK does not require you to have already been offered a job in the UK before you apply. This makes it a much simpler route for those who are eligible.
What is a birth certificate?
Your full birth certificate. A marriage certificate or civil partnership registration document if you are applying to take your spouse with you. The full birth certificate of the grandparent through whom your ancestry claim is based. Marriage certificates for your parents and grandparents, if they were married.
What does a bank statement show?
Bank statements showing that you have enough money to support yourself.
What is a fast track application package?
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
Can an immigration lawyer help you get an Ancestry visa?
Our experienced immigration lawyers can work with you to help you secure your UK Ancestry Visa. We will work with you to assess whether your heritage makes you eligible which can include sourcing and locating family history documents for you, to use as evidence for the Home Office.
Can Zimbabwean nationals apply for UK Ancestry?
It is important to note that, even though Zimbabwe is no longer part of the Commonwealth, they are treated as such for the purposes of UK Ancestry applications. Zimbabwean nationals can successfully apply for UK Ancestry if they can satisfy the requirements of the UK Ancestry Visa.
What is UK Ancestry visa?
You are able to apply for a UK Ancestry visa if all of the below conditions are met:
How to apply for an ancestry visa in the UK?
You have to apply for a UK ancestry visa online before going to the UK. To do so, you need to visit the UK Visa and Immigration Website. If it’s the first time you visit the site, you need to create an account for which you need a verified email address. You need to have access to the email address as the authorities might send you notifications.
What evidence shows that your parents or grandparents have changed their names since birth?
Evidence showing that your parents or grandparents have changed their names since birth, such as a civil partnership certificate, a marriage certificate, or deed poll.
How long does it take to get a decision from a doctor?
Most of the time, after eight weeks, you will receive the decision.
What is the website guide?
The website guides you to complete the further steps, so read every detail carefully.
Do you need to include dependents on a visa?
In applying for an extension, you must include the dependents (your partner or children) on your current visa. This comprises children who have turned 18 years old during your stay. They do not need to apply for this separately.
Can my spouse be a dependent?
Your partner and children are able to apply to join you as your “dependent.” If they will be considered eligible.
Overview
A UK Ancestry visa is a visa issued by the United Kingdom to Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland (before 1922) who wish to work in the United Kingdom. It is used mainly by young Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans of British descent coming to the UK to work and as a base to explore Europe.
Requirements
The main requirements are:
to have a grandparent born in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man at any time; or a grandparent born in what is now the Republic of Ireland on or before March 31, 1922. to be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (it does not matter how citizenship was acquired), applying from outside the UK. Zimbabwe remains a Commonwealth country for immigration purposes. to …
Terms of visa
The visa is granted for five years in the 'limited leave to enter' category. After this, the holder can apply for an extension (limited leave to remain) or for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). For ILR, the holder must show that he or she has been living continuously in the UK and is currently in continuing employment or has worked throughout the five years. The Home Office's guidance makes clear that if the applicant is working at the time of the ILR application, the applicant need…
British citizenship
After acquiring indefinite leave to remain, it is possible to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation after meeting normal residence requirements. See British nationality law.
• The increase in the period of time under UK ancestry to five years before ILR can be applied for effectively means that applicants (who are usually not married to British citizens) must wait six years for British citizenship. This is because naturalisation as a British citizen for a person not m…
Irish-born grandparent
A grandparent born in Northern Ireland at any time, or what is now the Republic of Ireland prior to 1 April 1922, gives rise to an entitlement to a right to admission under UK ancestry. However, there may also be an entitlement to register as an Irish citizen by descent which grants de facto permanent residency in the UK immediately.
This may be possible as an alternative to, or in addition to, a UK Ancestry visa.
2008 abolition proposal
On 26 October 2005, The Times published an article outlining possible plans by the British Home Office to abolish admission under UK ancestry in favour of a points-based migration system. The issue had apparently been raised in the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee. The possibility of abolition alarmed many people with British-born grandparents living in Commonwealth countries.
See also
• British diaspora
• British nationality law
• Indefinite leave to remain
• Permanent residency
• Right of abode